Hanoi’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ on Friday

U.S. weather forecast service AccuWeather recorded the air quality index (AQI) in Hanoi on Friday at 128 and a PM2.5 level of 78 µg/m3.

Hanoi’s AQI is forecast to be between 126 and 130 until next Monday. A higher index means worse air pollution.

In HCMC the air quality on Friday was ranked as “fair” by AccuWeather, with the AQI at 26. The level of PM2.5 in the air was recorded at 11 µg/m3, also ranked as “fair.”

Air quality in HCMC is projected to be “fair” through next Monday, with AQI forecast to be between 36-41.

Switzerland-based air quality monitoring facility IQAir AirVisual ranked Hanoi’s AQI on Friday at 170, meaning the air quality is “unhealthy.” The PM2.5 level is recorded to be at 93 µg/m3, which is 18.6 times that of WHO air quality standards, according to AirVisual.

The AQI in Hanoi will range from 101 to 149 until next Thursday, which is either unhealthy for sensitive groups or simply unhealthy.

AirVisual recorded the AQI in HCMC on Friday at 86, which means a moderate air quality, and PM2.5 level of 29 µg/m3.

PM2.5 is defined as ambient airborne particulate that measures up to 2.5 microns in size, just a fraction of the width of a human hair. Their microscopic size allows these particles to be absorbed deep into the bloodstream upon inhalation, potentially causing health issues such as asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.

Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to negative health effects like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and premature mortality.